10 Best Wrestling Matches Of 2018
8. Andrade 'Cien' Almas Vs. Johnny Gargano - NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia
A thrilling, white knuckle back-and-forth update on the classic babyface versus heel template, this match, the best WWE offering in years, was better than most merely outstanding modern pro wrestling matches. In getting over in clean defeat, as a pure, heartfelt babyface, this was an achievement.
Divisive as Darkside Johnny Gargano is, Philadelphia, a city that likes its wrestling grubby, was firmly behind Johnny Wrestling here. And it wasn't as if a dedicated über-heel stood in the opposite corner, either; the equally flashy and far cooler Andrade 'Cien' Almas courted the affection of the crowd with his own brand of propulsive energy and twisting, excitement-triggering sequences. Even with his electric work - how can you boo a guy capable of leapfrogging from the outside to the canvas, before delivering a moonsault both seamless and spectacular? - Gargano still emerged as an actual hero by wrestling with as much piss and vinegar as sympathy. When he rocked Almas with a leaping DDT to the apron, he proved himself a match for Almas' viciousness.
Selling as if shellshocked by the finish, the black-lipped Gargano made believable both the broad "dead-sell" spot and, in retrospect, a match very heavy in content.
This wasn't just an incredibly rare babyface performance for the times; it was a babyface performance for the ages.